When it comes to crime dramas, it’s hard to escape them. I’m just glad The Chicago Code isn’t one of the many forensic crime dramas. I love CSI, don’t get me wrong, but forensic shows have been beaten to death. With The Chicago Code, we get a show that is more character driven. Forensics take a back seat here. And for that, I thank creator and Illinois-native Shawn Ryan.
The city of Chicago has always had a reputation for corruption. I should know because I’ve lived in northern Illinois my entire life. For a show to look at that issue in that town, well, I’m thrilled to be honest, even if it’s purely in a fictionalized TV series.
The Chicago Code centers on a small group of cops who are looking to take down the most powerful, corrupt men in all of Chicago. No, not the mayor. Alderman Ronin Gibbons (Delroy Lindo) seems to be more powerful than even the mayor. Alderman Gibbons appears to be involved in a lot of shady dealings, including connections with the Irish mob.
One of the problems I found with the series pilot was the way Alderman Gibbons was portrayed. Delroy Lindo was fantastic, but the writers and director didn’t exactly hit a home run when it came to showing Gibbons was a bad-to-the-bone type of character. He is indeed a slick operator, but I can’t say the pilot made me feel he was inherently evil to his core.
Jarek Wysocki (Jason Clarke) and Teresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals)
Looking to take down Alderman Gibbons are Teresa Colvin (Jennifer Beals), Jarek Wysocki (Jason Clarke), and Caleb Evers (Matt Lauria). Profiling these characters was expertly done in the pilot. Colvin was a rising star in the police department. Jennifer Beals felt completely at home in the character. It’s nice to see an attractive woman not exploited on TV for her beauty and sexuality. I think her character could be inspirational to young women.
As for Jarek Wysocki, he’s an interesting character. A die-hard White Sox fan, Wysocki appears to go through partners faster than people shower. That trait has become all too familiar in the cop genre. It’s been done to death. I’m just glad Wysocki isn’t totally a cliche. His niece, Vonda (Devin Kelley) is part of the crew and Wysocki is clearly looking out for her. Hopefully, her partner, Isaac Joiner (Todd Williams), doesn’t do anything stupid. I suspect Wysocki and Joiner are going to have plenty of more confrontations in the future.
I suspect we’ll learn more about Wysocki’s new partner, Caleb Evers, in upcoming episodes. He’s new to Wysocki, so through him, we learn more about everyone in the department.
Perhaps one of the most impressive facts about the series so far is where it’s filmed. Unlike 99% of other shows which are filmed in Los Angeles, New York, or Vancouver, The Chicago Code is actually filmed where it’s set: Chicago. I love it! I’m looking forward to seeing more and more of the city as Chicago can be its own character if utilized properly.
The Chicago Code is a difficult show to compare to others since I’ve not seen Shawn Ryan’s previous hit series, The Shield. And I can’t compare it to TNT’s SouthLand. I’d like to compare it somewhat to HBO’s The Wire, but I don’t think we’re quite there simply based on the pilot. The Wire is perhaps the best drama ever. I believe the series has a lot of potential. I intend to tune in every Monday night and I encourage you to do the same.
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